Wednesday on TV: ABC's "Family Tools" is a big disappointment

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Family Tools (7:30 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4) is supposed to be a comedy, I think. It was hard to tell, because it's not funny.The premise is rather simple. Cranky ol' Tony Shea (J.K. Simmons) just had a heart attack, so he can't keep running his contracting/handyman business. At the urging of his sister, Terry (Leah Remini), Tony reluctantly turns the business over to his beyond-bumbling son, Jack (Kyle Bornheimer).Oh, by the way, Terry refuses to let the EMTs into the house to treat the stricken Tony until he agrees to call Jack. Really.The basic problem with this comedy is it's not funny. Everything about it - including the physical comedy - is entirely predictable.Try to guess what happens when Jack handles a nail gun. Just try."Family Tools" is trying to be the next "My Name Is Earl" or "Raising Hope." It was written by Bobby Bowman, who wrote for both of those shows.But it lacks their heart. Simmons and Bornheimer are very likable actors, but the characters in this show are more like cartoons than real people.Actually, the funniest thing about "Family Tools" is the title. It's about a family business in which they use tools - and they are tools! Hilarious!OK, not hilarious. But it's still funnier than the rest of the show.Elsewhere on TV ...Survivor: Caramoan - Fans vs. Favorites (7 p.m., CBS/Ch. 2): There are two immunity challenges, two tribal councils and two castaways are sent home.The Middle (7 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4): Axl and Brick try to create a viral video.Nature (7 p.m., PBS/ch. 7): An hour with the Lipizzaner stallions.American Idol (7 p.m., Fox/Ch. 13): The remaining contestants perform.Arrow (7 p.m., CW/Ch. 30): Tommy reveals a shocking secret to Laurel.Criminal Minds (8 p.m., CBS/Ch. 2): Two men are victims or a ritualistic killing.Modern Family (8 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4): Phil's appearance at career day is marred when his rival shows up.Law & Order: SVU (8 p.m., NBC/Ch. 5): A teenager is brutally assaulted at a concert.Supernatural (8 p.m., CW/Ch. 30): Dean and Sam try to uncover the third trialHow to Live With You Parents (For the Rest of Your Life) (8:31 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4): Max and Elaine turn out to be terrible babysitters.CSI (9 p.m., CBS/ch. 2): A body is found floating in a mud bath.Nashville (9 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4): Teddy confronts Peggy about the leaks.Chicago Fire (9 p.m., NBC.Ch. 5): Severide's career is endangered.The Americans (11 p.m., FX): Stan closes in on Philip and Elizabeth. (Season finale)Psych (11 p.m., USA): Shawn runs for mayor.

Share This Article

ARTICLE PHOTO GALLERY

USER COMMENTS

Reader comments on sltrib.com are the opinions of the writer, not The Salt Lake Tribune. We will delete comments containing obscenities, personal attacks and inappropriate or offensive remarks. Flagrant or repeat violators will be banned. If you see an objectionable comment, please alert us by clicking the arrow on the upper right side of the comment and selecting "Flag comment as inappropriate". If you've recently registered with Disqus or aren't seeing your comments immediately, you may need to verify your email address. To do so, visit disqus.com/account. See more about comments here.